Catmint Nepeta nervosa
ABOUT
Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as catmint, is an attractive herbaceous perennial known for its lush foliage and appealing flowers. It forms a mound of green, aromatic leaves that are typically heart-shaped or ovate with softly serrated edges. The leaves are often covered in a fine fuzz and they release a pleasant, minty aroma when touched or bruised. The plant is celebrated for its long-lasting blooming period where it produces small, tubular flowers. These flowers are usually a soft blue to lavendar in color and are densely clustered on spikes that rise above the foliage, creating a showy and whimsical display. The blooms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding not just visual beauty but also ecological value to gardens where it grows. The overall form of catmint is that of a rounded clump, with stems that are both robust and graceful. It has a natural tendency to spill and cascade, which lends itself to a variety of landscape uses including borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover. The texture of the plant is fine to medium, contributing to its use in garden designs that aim for a cottage garden look or a more informal, naturalized style. Catmint is praised for its ease of growth and care, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add long-lasting color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Catmint, Blue Wonder Catmint, Nervous Catnip
Common names
Nepeta nervosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, typically is not considered toxic to humans. It is often used in gardens for its aromatic leaves and is sometimes used as a mild herbal remedy. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation upon handling it, and ingesting large amounts of the plant could potentially cause stomach upset. In general, though, Catmint does not pose a serious risk of poisoning to humans if touched or ingested in small amounts.
To pets
Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, is generally safe for pets, particularly cats, which may be attracted to its minty scent. For cats, it can act as a mild natural stimulant similar to catnip, causing some cats to become playful or relaxed. However, this reaction does not occur in all cats. For dogs and other pets, Catmint is not typically harmful unless ingested in very large quantities, which could possibly lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always prudent to monitor your pets around plants and ensure they do not consume large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Catmint is highly resistant to dry conditions once established, making it ideal for water-wise landscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the initial planting and occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The aromatic foliage naturally repels deer and rabbits, which helps to protect other nearby plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's vibrant blue-purple flowers and gray-green foliage add color and texture to garden beds and borders.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as catmint, can be used as a companion plant in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting pollination.
- Catmint can be planted along borders or walkways where its pleasant fragrance can be enjoyed when brushed against or stepped on.
- The dried leaves of catmint may be used to stuff cat toys, providing a stimulating environment for indoor cats.
- As a naturally repellent plant to certain pests, catmint can be planted near vegetables and herbs to help protect them from insect damage.
- Gardeners might use catmint as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or dry landscapes due to its drought-resistant qualities.
- Catmint can be used in sachets or potpourris to impart a delicate fragrance to linens and wardrobes.
- The plant's dense growth habit makes it useful as a low-growing hedge or natural garden border without the need for frequent pruning.
- Catmint's aesthetic value can be harnessed in cut flower arrangements, providing a casual, cottage garden appeal to bouquets.
- In culinary arts, small quantities of the young, tender leaves can be used to add a unique flavor to salads or as a garnish.
- During the blooming season, catmint flowers may be harvested and incorporated into homemade soap formulations to add texture and visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Catmint is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Catmint is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Calmness: Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, is often associated with calmness because it contains nepetalactone, a compound known to have a soothing effect on cats and is believed to induce relaxation.
- Playfulness: Catmint is symbolically connected to playfulness because of the euphoric state it can induce in cats, leading them to exhibit playful behavior when they are near the plant.
- Affection: The attraction cats show to Catmint can symbolize affection, representing a bond or a pleasant connection between individuals or pets.
- Healing: Historically, Catmint has been used in herbal medicine for its healing properties, symbolizing health and recovery related to its various traditional medicinal uses.
WaterThe common name for Nepeta nervosa is Catmint. To water Catmint, it's best to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be too wet. Generally, water Catmint once a week with approximately one inch of water, but this can vary depending upon local weather conditions. During hot spells, more frequent watering may be necessary, particularly if the plant is in full sun. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightCatmint thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for Catmint is a spot where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureCatmint prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. For the best performance, aim to keep Catmint in temperatures that hover around the 70s during its growing season.
PruningPruning Catmint helps to maintain a bushy and compact shape, and encourages a second bloom in late summer or early fall. Cut back the flowering stems after the first bloom is over, usually by one-third to one-half, to revitalize the plant. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flowering peak has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCatmint (Nepeta nervosa) thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.8. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part perlite or coarse sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure will create an ideal environment for catmint growth.
RepottingCatmint should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. They do not generally require frequent repotting unless they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingCatmint prefers average ambient humidity and does not require any special humidity adjustments. It's adaptable to the humidity levels found typically in outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny window, minimal care.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleNepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, requires light and warmth to germinate, a process that may take a few weeks. Once germinated, seedlings grow into young plants with characteristic aromatic foliage and should be established in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. The vegetative stage is marked by robust growth of stems and leaves, during which the plant becomes bushier and prepares for flowering. The flowering phase typically occurs in late spring to early summer, presenting with spikes of delicate, lavender-blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. After flowering, Catmint sets seeds which can either be collected for propagation or allowed to fall naturally, where they may self-sow and give rise to new plants. Finally, as a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy in late autumn, with the aerial parts dying back, but it re-sprouts from its root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Nepeta nervosa, commonly known as Catmint, is through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Catmint this way, you should choose a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) section just below a leaf node. The bottom leaves are then removed, and the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. After preparing the cutting, it should be placed in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that the cut end is buried an inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) deep. The cutting should be kept moist and in indirect light until it has rooted sufficiently, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Catmint plant can be transplanted to a permanent location in the garden.
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